Book Launch for Justin Robert's book, "Smallest Girl in The Smallest Grade"—his first picture book reading!

Nili with Justin Roberts

Justin and Nili

PRINTER'S ROW LIT FEST 2014

Nili with best selling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal

interviewing Amanda Sims of Just Kidding Chicago

The Art of StorytellingPros say that knowing their audience, and endlessly practicing and tweaking stories, are the best ways to keep kids engaged.

Pros say that knowing their audience, and endlessly practicing and tweaking stories, are the best ways to keep kids engaged.
by Allison Bowen and Amanda Sims
2:59 p.m. CST, January 31, 2014

Parents may not spend much time thinking about their children’s “giggle level,” but professional storytellers do. The giggle level–a term some storytellers use to determine what children find funny at different ages–is just one tool they use to craft stories and performances. Knowing their audience, and endlessly practicing and tweaking stories, are ways to keep squirmy children, and sometimes grown-ups, engaged. We spoke to some of Chicago’s best-known storytellers about what makes them successful at their craft. Read more>>